Home to the ground breaking African Lion Rehabilitation and Release into the Wild Programme; Antelope Park is where it all began. As a volunteer on this stunning reserve, you will get involved in the vital research of the lions’ behaviour, and enjoy hands on volunteer work with lions, on the world’s only significant programme for their release into the wild.

Volunteer involvement is essential the progress of this ground breaking Lion Conservation Project. You can expect days to be long but the work is rewarding, and volunteers will assist our staff with all aspects that go into caring for the animals in their charge. Working hands on with the lions and conducting vital research is a major part of the placement. In addition volunteers will assist with general conservation duties in the Park and get involved with a number of community initiatives we are running in the area.

Spend time working hands on with the lions in the wild each day, to familiarise them with their natural environment. They need to adapt to it, learn from it, understand, observe, feel and smell the wild. Since the start of this intensive lion walking programme, we have noted a marked increase in the lions’ awareness of their natural surroundings, as well as an improvement in their hunting skills. The larger cubs are now able to take down a range of prey species whilst out on walks. These abilities are being improved each day under the supervision of trained guides and handlers, as well as volunteers. These are invaluable discoveries, which have earned us further support for our world first endeavours.

Alongside the walks you will be involved in the care of the animals which overnight in enclosures. They need feeding, cleaning, and occasionally will need veterinary care to ensure that they are kept in the best of health. Join our team of professional guides and other dedicated volunteers, gain a deeper understanding of African lions and other wildlife, and assist us in gathering vital information that will facilitate their eventual release back into the wild.

You will also have the opportunity to spend time with our orphaned African elephants and their trainers. The elephants at Antelope Park were saved from certain death during a severe drought that ravaged Zimbabwe’s South Eastern Lowveld in 1991 and 1992. The elephants play an important role in the Antelope Park’s activities schedule. You may be asked to assist in the daily duties with the elephants.

There is also an opportunity to visit children at a local orphanage and interact with them on a weekly basis. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the local culture, and give the children at the orphanage some much needed love and attention.